The sheer size of the Rock Island Crab is beyond imagination, and its internal structure defies common sense.
From a conventional perspective, it feels less like a living organism and more like a colossal mechanical life form.
Even after living here for countless years, the Buru Tribe has only managed to explore a portion of this layer and remains unaware of how to leave. Moreover, leaving is not particularly important to them.
"Does 'land' refer to the Dark Continent?" Law asked.
The Buru Chief nodded. The only land massive enough for the Rock Island Crab to settle on is the Dark Continent, given the crab's immense size.
Seeing this, Law and Biscuit felt they had finally received some good news. This meant they only needed to find a way out and wait for the Rock Island Crab to come to a stop.
The Buru Chief could sense Law and the others' strong desire to leave. Considering the ferocity of the parasites, he advised, "The parasites are too numerous. It would be best if you did not take such a risk. Perhaps you should consider settling here instead."
He then turned to Biscuit and added earnestly, "You happen to meet the conditions for reproduction."
The Chief's communication tentacles were attached to Law and Biscuit, so both heard his words simultaneously.
Upon hearing the Chief's suggestion, their faces darkened slightly, 'What did he mean by 'reproduction'? Was he suggesting we continue our race within the Rock Island Crab's body?'
"We understand the risks, but please do not worry about us." Law replied, feeling somewhat exasperated.
Seeing Law's determination, the Buru Chief did not press further. Instead, he assured Law that the Buru Tribe would provide any assistance they might need.
Later, before the feast concluded, Law gathered much useful information from the Buru Tribe. Afterwards, the Buru prepared a shell house for them to rest in.
The houses were constructed from shells of various colors, resembling paintings richly adorned with pigments.
Tonpa noticed dazzling pearls embedded in the walls of the shell house and was tempted to pry a few off. However, the shells were held together by an unknown natural adhesive, making the pearls impossible to remove.
When Law and Biscuit entered the shell house, they also noticed the pearls embedded in the walls. Their quality was exceptional, and their size was astonishing… the largest was as big as a basketball.
'It seemed the Buru Tribe had no particular interest in pearls, using them merely as construction materials alongside the shells.'
Tonpa struggled futilely to remove the pearls, but Law used his God Hand ability to effortlessly separate them without damaging the structure.
He offered the extracted pearls to Biscuit, but she showed little interest and declined.
Law then tossed the basketball-sized pearl to Tonpa, who was nearly breathless at the sight of such a colossal gem.
"I'll never have to worry about food and clothing again," Tonpa murmured dreamily as he fell asleep clutching the pearl.
Since intense light was the primary defense against the parasites, the Buru Tribe's settlement was perpetually bright as day. However, the shell houses were designed to block light effectively, providing an ideal environment for sleep.
Assured of their safety, Law and the others rested without worries through the night. By the next morning, everyone was refreshed and full of energy.
Tonpa remained in the shell house, tirelessly polishing the enormous rare pearl with a cloth as if it were already a family heirloom.
Biscuit wandered around the Buru Tribe's settlement, while Law sought out Bruna to ask for some of the water algae that produced pure water.
Bruna quickly brought Law a shell filled with water algae, along with several other special types of algae: luminous algae that emitted light, oxygen-producing algae, and heat-generating algae.
These algae, each with their unique functions, required an energy source to activate. For Nen Users, they were incredibly useful tools.
Law thanked Bruna and without hesitation accepted all the algae.
"Law, are you planning to seek out the ruler of the parasites?" Bruna gently attached her two tentacles to Law's temples.
Law sat on a stone bridge, gazing down at the schools of fish swimming in the glowing lake, "If finding the ruler of the parasites is the only way to leave this place, then we have no other choice."
"It's very dangerous." Bruna said worriedly.
Law smiled at her and picked up the luminous algae, "Don't worry. We have this."
As soon as he spoke, Bruna watched in amazement as the luminous algae in Law's hand began to glow. She was both surprised and puzzled, 'How could it emit light without an energy source?'
"This is the effect of Nen, an advantage unique to our race. As long as we carry the luminous algae, the parasites won't even be able to get close to us." Law explained with a smile.
Bruna blinked her dark, glossy eyes several times, exclaiming in awe, "How incredible! Your race is truly remarkable, Law!"
"I think your Buru Tribe is truly remarkable for finding a way to survive in such a harsh environment." Law said with genuine admiration.
The Dark Continent teems with countless species, each constantly facing the threat of extinction. Even ancient humans were forced to flee to the islands at the center of the lake.
Bruna seemed deeply moved by Law's words. She looked up, her gaze drifting toward the young Burus playing and floating happily in the settlement, and said sorrowfully, "But that result came at the cost of our freedom."
Law was startled when he heard this, and then apologized, "Sorry."
Survival versus freedom… this was the cruel choice the Buru Tribe had been forced to make.
While individuals might yearn for freedom, a species as a whole would always choose survival.
In that moment, Law understood the true thoughts in Bruna's heart. She longed for freedom, but the harsh environment meant that one day, even her free spirit would have to bow to the demands of survival.
"Why are you apologizing?" The innocent Bruna didn't understand Law's apology, her tone filled with confusion.
Law fell silent, watching Bruna. He noticed the color of her body shifting to a deep blue, the hue of the sky and the ocean, a color that should evoke vastness and freedom. Yet Law knew that shade represented melancholy.
"It's nothing." Law shook his head and changed the subject with a gentle smile, "Would you like to know what the world outside is like?"
"Yes!" Bruna replied immediately.
And so, Law began to tell her stories, describing the blue skies and white clouds, the mountains and seas, the sunrise and sunset, painting vivid pictures with his words.
Through their mental connection, his words seemed to transform into breathtakingly beautiful images.
Bruna listened quietly, her melancholy deep blue gradually shifting into a bright, cheerful yellow.
After resting in the Buru Tribe's settlement for several days, Law decided it was time to leave and search for a way out.
All the members of the Buru Tribe gathered at the stone bridge to bid farewell to Law and his companions.
The Chief approached Law, extending a tentacle, and said, "I believe you will need a guide."
At that moment, Bruna floated out from the crowd and stopped beside the Chief.
"I appreciate the offer." Law declined gently.